Preparations are underway across Punjab to celebrate World Wildlife Day with full enthusiasm.
On this occasion, Mudassir Riaz Malik, Director General of Wildlife and Parks Punjab, issued a special message stating that the wildlife department is being modernised, and efforts for the protection and promotion of wildlife are being carried out on a war footing across the province.
The DG of Wildlife mentioned that over 14,000 protected wild animals and birds were rescued last year, and more than 120 million rupees were generated in revenue through fines. He appealed to the public to discourage the illegal hunting of wildlife and to cooperate with the department in preventing the illegal trade of wildlife.
Mudassir Riaz Malik mentioned that the breeding of rare animals is progressing successfully, and the department has been transformed into a “Wildlife Force,” with the introduction of new laws and an increase in penalties and fines.
Talking about providing world-class recreational facilities for tourists, he said that the Safari Zoo and Lahore Zoo have been made safe and highly attractive, leading to large crowds of people visiting these places with their families.
Furthermore, three wildlife rescue centers are being established in Punjab, where injured, sick, and weak animals will receive treatment and care. Drone technology is also being utilized for wildlife protection to ensure the safety of their habitats.
Earlier, teams from the Punjab Wildlife Department successfully recovered five rare waterfowl and a bear from illegal captivity during operations at Jhang and Taunsa Barrages.
The operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to protect wildlife and rare species, under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to promote conservation and safeguard endangered wildlife, Express News reported.
The waterfowl, identified as “Neel Balai,” were released into the upstream section of the Indus River after being seized. These birds are classified as rare species, and their protection is a priority for wildlife authorities.
Authorities also confiscated equipment used in illegal hunting, and an FIR has been filed against the suspects, with charges brought forward in court.
